CFSM Receives Guam Legislature's Resolution No. 453

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): November 18, 1996 - FSM Congress Speaker Jack Fritz included in the October 25, 1996 Order of Business for information of Congress a copy of Guam Legislature's Resolution No. 453, adopted on July 19, 1996, during the Second Regular Session of the Twenty-Third Guam Legislature and was transmitted to Congress Speaker Fritz on August 20, 1996.

Guam Resolution No. 453, introduced by Senators T.S. Nelson, T.C. Ada and J.P. Augon, entitled, "relative to reaffirming the commitment for continuing the relationship between the Peoples of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, and the People of the Territory of Guam; and to expressing the sentiments of the Guam Legislature relative to the Compacts of Free Association in offering our resources to every individual in Micronesia who so desires post-secondary education, health care, trade, and commerce, employment opportunities, visiting family and friends, as well as pleasure, recreation, and leisure."

Guam Legislature's Resolution No. 453 retraced the traditional and cultural ties amongst the Micronesians before external influences set them apart in today's political entities.

It, however, showed an affirmative stance regarding its relations and sentiments toward other Micronesians who are citizens of their states by offering Guam resources to Micronesians in the areas of post-secondary education, health care, trade and commerce, employment opportunities, visits with friends and families, as well as for recreation and leisure.

The final resolving clause states, "Resolved, that the Twenty-Third Guam Legislature does also recognize the many benefits and positive impact of the emigration of Freely Associated States (FAS) citizens into the Territory of Guam since 1986, due to the commencement of the Compacts of Free Association; ..."

Copies of Resolution No. 453 were sent to all conceivable political leaders in the Central Pacific.